An autumnal outfit

One thing I have been downright terrible about this year is outfit posts. I really need to be better, in part because it gives me an excuse to wear something on days I don't otherwise have a reason to force me out of casual jeans and a sweater. So here you go, a little outfit post, inspired by yesterday's post.

This is one of my favorite skirts. In fact, it was in part re-discovering this skirt in my closet that sent me cooing over skirts, blouses and trim little cardigans. Actually this cardigan is my single entry in the 'trim little cardigan' department, believe it or not. But I'm working on that, here's one of the ways...

I'll be knitting up a cardigan with two strands of fingering weight in a yummy color for fall, which coincidentally matches my skirt. And back to that skirt. It's the perfect fit, the perfect length and a fabulous print. Aztec? Or inspired by ancient Rome? Who knows. Boy did they do novelty prints right back in the day.

The skirt is pleated all along the waistband and I have a vintage sewing pattern exactly like it, which I sewed up into a novelty print skirt that I wore to Viva Las Vegas last year. I was disappointed with how that skirt looked in photos so much I've never worn it since, but now I think I can chalk it up to a bad bra and belt choice, believe it or not. Amazing how simple things can make such a difference! And now I totally want to sew up that skirt pattern again.

You can't tell how craptastic my hair is looking lately. Grow or cut? I can't seem to decide. So I've been wearing a casual ponytail a lot, but it's now warm hat season here, and the two don't mix. I'm tempted to cut it short enough that I don't have to bother setting it when I don't want to, but fear I'll regret it.

Yes, it's warm footwear season as well.

These booties were purchased last year when I was desperately trying to find non-ugly early winter boots. I think they're pretty darling, though the warmth is mostly just for show—the faux shearling is only on the outside. My feet get cold easily and sadly I know we'll soon be sinking into the season where I'll be wearing mostly fugly-but-toasty sheepy boots. Although inspiration just struck: I think I should knit some warm ankle socks to hide inside these!

Ah, the joys of a Midwest winter. At least I can look cute on top!

Outfit details: 50s skirt from Knee Deep Vintage, cardigan from Simple Thrift, acorn charm bracelet from eBay, blouse and belt from somewhere or other, me-made earrings from vintage cabochons, Sam Edelman boots

Carry on

If you've been a regular to my blog for some time, you may have noticed I've done very little outfit-related posts this year. I admit it, I've had some style ennui. Seeing as this blog revolves around style in a lot of ways (though I've never considered myself a "fashion blogger" by a long shot), that's made blogging kind of difficult.

I spent a long time trying to figure out what was bothering me. In the end, I think it was a combination of things, only some of which had to do with fashion but they manifested that way in some respects.

Devoting a lot of time to our new house. Moving to a neighborhood where fashions or trends of any kind are mostly, well, absent. Having a really difficult time finding anywhere in the house or yard with suitable lighting for blog photos. Having our closest friends from Chicago move to Wales. Not having any friends to hang out with who are into vintage (note: most of this navel-gazing pre-dates getting to know the lovely Liz of zilredloh.com, which tickles me). Working from home at least three days and not having a rip-roarin' social life leading to few opportunities to feel like I should even bother to dress up. Vintage-themed parties, events, etc? Gosh, I wish!!

And so, I think my motivation has been kind of low.

To be honest, I've had a lot of "why bother?" moments this year when it comes to my personal fashion. Who cares if I dress up vintage or not everyday? When I'm working from home, I don't get any complaints from the dog or the cat if I'm wearing jeans (albeit Freddie's of Pinewoods) and a tank top, and am wearing my hair in a messy ponytail.

I even found myself waffling a bit about my style in the last few weeks. Maybe I needed to be a little more modern, or just go a little more 50s, versus the earlier leanings I've had over the last year or two. I was lazy about setting my hair, so in a misguided attempt at hair happiness, I even went so far as to cut Bettie Page bangs again about a week ago.

A peek at our new living room color that we love... scattered light courtesy of small glass block window nooks

And then one day, I snapped out of it. I decided I needed to just carry on. 

Partially inspired by Sunni's excellent Everyday Wardrobe challenge, I decided I needed to be putting in some effort into how I looked even on days I didn't have plans (more days than not!). I decided I didn't care if I dressed like the 'odd man out' most of the time when I did go out.
 

And I realized I needed to just go ahead and do it for me.

I love vintage fashion. So what if I feel like an anomaly in my real life? Life can be fun that way. And it's not like before I wore vintage I fit into any molds, anyway. ;)  And so what if I'm wearing a cute outfit to sit around the house? It's not like I'm not talking about ballgowns here. I can be cute and casual at the same time.

See? These photos were taken Tuesday this week, a day I worked from home. Trousers, a blouse! Jewelry! Set hair! Lipstick, even. Yeah okay, the lippy came off before lunch and never went back on again... gotta draw the line somewhere.

I'm sharing this open, heartfelt post in the chance it might help someone else out there who has ever felt frustrated about their love of vintage-influenced fashions to know they're not alone. It's for any 40s gal who's ever wondered why they bother, for any 50s sweater girl who's just wanted to laze around in a t-shirt, for any flapper who's wondered why she was the only one flappin'.

I'm glad I went through some head-scratching moments, because I feel sure of myself in a way I didn't before. In fact, it's given me a more positive outlook on lots of other things as a result. I'm looking forward to sharing more outfit posts, planning more knitting and sewing, spending more time gathering inspiration from you, my friends, and working on trying to be fabulous in as many aspects of my life as I can.

And along the way, I know I'll just keep on carrying on with my vintage-loving self!

Coral on my mind {and my lips}

Hello everyone! I've been obsessed with the color coral for quite some time. I think since last spring! I got a gift certificate to Sephora for my birthday, and I decided to splurge on a lipstick I'd been wanting to try for awhile. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté in Rose Paris (27). As I'm sure you've noticed, I usually stick with red, however I thought this bright pinky coral would be a fun change. I paired it with an even brighter pinky coral nail polish, Essie in E-nuf is E-nuf.



I know one of the reasons I like this lipstick is the gorgeous vintage-inspired tube, and the light yummy scent. It just screams old Hollywood starlet.

I'm enjoying the color when I'd like something a bit less vibrant than red, or just want something a tad more casual. This color can really only be applied if your lips aren't too dry as it accentuates every little dry bit of skin, but I think that's an issue with lighter lipsticks in general (or at least lighter lipsticks on me).

Today was ridiculously hot for May, so it was a good day for one of my favorite dresses. Well, truth be told I haven't rotated my closet yet, so I've been wearing the same 3 or 4 summer dresses over and over again lately as they're the only ones I have out. So while I say it was a good day for this dress, I've probably worn it 3 times in the last week. (Shh, don't tell.)

I even infused my outfit with bits of pink and coral.

Outfit details: 50s house dress from Bamboo Bettie, earrings made by me, vintage brooch a gift, vintage sweetheart bracelet and plastic barrette from somewhere or other, tooled wedges from Remix

As if I needed any more inspiration for my coral love lately, I just need to look outside. Pinks, especially those with a hint of coral tickle me every time I see them in the yard.

Do you have a coral lipstick or nail polish you love? Especially one that's a bit less hot pink? I'd love to hear about it. I definitely don't see my coral lust waning anytime soon!

(Stay tuned for a small giveaway later in the week!)

Packing, in textures

I walked around yesterday and took some photos of things I would be packing up sooner or later for the move. Some so soon they've already been packed, only a day later!


Boots for moderate winter weather...

Hand knit sweaters...

Unceremoniously stored stockings...

Blouses...lots of blouses...

Garter belts...

Pretty underthings...

End of winter/spring jackets that it will soon be warm enough to wear...

Vintage frames that may one day get lenses...

Cowboy hats...

Don't you just love different prints, fabrics and textures? I know I sure do!

Vintage finds, AKA the only shopping I've done in months

Last weekend was the Chicagoland Vintage Clothing, Jewelry and Textile Show, an overwhelmingly large show about an hour away from Chicago in Elgin. Last year I had a great haul. This year I was a bit more restrained, even though this show, more than any others, often has the largest portion of things to my personal style and taste (though not always my budget, of course).

Once we knew we were going to buy a house I stopped shopping of any kind that wasn't food or essentials... unless you call inspections and earnest money and packing supplies and iPad games to keep me sane "shopping" (I consider it essentials). So while it was a nice treat to actually go to this show, as it was the only vintage show or shopping I'd done since last year (wow!), I passed up a lot of great things.

Here's what I wore...

Outfit details: cardigan knit by me, pintuck blouse from Small Earth Vintage, wool skirt from Retro Kitten Vintage, 40s peep toe shoes from Randolph Street Market, vintage brown basket purse

Mel and I each picked up four things. (Mel's all went into the laundry already, sorry.) You'll have to pardon the fact that I clearly did not iron anything. They're going to get packed right away so I couldn't bring myself to iron, not even for the blog. ;)

These first two of my finds came from Nicole Hughes of BombshellShocked. I was so excited to see her there. Not only does she have great taste and prices on vintage clothing, she is a super awesome person!

First up is a pleated shirtwaist dress, white with a thin checkered print in red and light gray. I think this will be a great summer dress, and layered with a cardigan it will work nicely in spring, too. (I might even dare to combine prints and try it with my cardigan above.)

I love the mother of pearl buckle and flower-shaped buttons.

It has great puff sleeves, too.

The next is an absolutely killer pair of 50s pedal pushers. I commented to Niki when I bought them that I rarely find actual vintage pants that look good on me (more like rarely find them, period), and the two pair I have are both from her, and both pedal pushes from the 50s, and both plaid. I guess when it works, it works!

Have you ever tried to photograph pants on a dress form?

Yeah, it wasn't until I was actually trying to do it that I remembered there's no crotch on a dress form. Never mind the fact that the dress form currently stands in our living room and I look at it about a 50 times a day. 

So you'll have to make do with a photo on the hanger. Trust me, they look fabulous on. I can't wait to wear these this summer!

I need to sew up a top or two for them—what style or color would you recommend?

Oh, they also have a great label with a needle, fabric and scissors motif. It's really fun.

The third item on my list I got from Karyn Dethrow of Dethrose Vintage. I was so pleased to finally meet Karyn, who is gorgeous and charming!

I've been hoping to find more solid-colored skirts. I say "hoping" because of the aforementioned not shopping for months, so it's been more like "hoping in the future to obtain (or sew)". I go back and forth about why I don't really wear my short-sleeved sweaters in spring and fall as much as I think I want to, and I've decided one of the reasons is I don't have very many solid skirts to pair them with. This light blue one will be perfect. It will also be great with a yellow v-neck pullover I plan to knit from A Stitch in Time vol. 2 (just started swatching for it last night).

I love the details and the topstitching on the top of the pleats. I wish my topstitching could be this even!

And last but not least is a dress I bought from a vendor whose name I unfortunately don't know. If any of you out there who went to the show can identify her, please let me know. Her booth was upstairs, to the left of the entrance and she had a rack of some of the best printed cotton day dresses I have ever seen. Many in larger sizes, and all in beautiful, bold prints. (I'm actually kind of kicking myself for not buying this second one of hers I really liked.)

Now, it should be said that I don't usually wear a lot of purple. Actually almost none. It's never been a color I particularly liked. But I love this dress something fierce, and I already know it's going to be a summer favorite. Though it will require a bit more shopping to properly accessorize due to the aforementioned lack of purple in my closet. (Tsk tsk, what a shame, right?)

The whole thing is just a great mix of lavender, eggplant, white, navy, sky blue and royal blue. Throw in tiny polka dots, flowers and an overall checked print. And look at that amazing collar! I just love it.

Awesome pockets and buttons, too.

And last but not least, another fun label. I love the candy canes for Kandy Kottons.

So there you have it, that's what I found at the show last weekend. I won't be doing any more shopping again until after we've moved and settled in. As of this week, closings are a month away. Back to packing!